A CSU-led research team that analyzed more than 200 research papers, studies and literature about hydraulic fracturing found that there’s still not enough research to fully understand the environmental implications of the process. Nine of the 16 major biocides used in hydraulic fracturing have chronic toxicity effects, including effects that are developmental, reproductive, mutagenic, carcinogenic or neurological. Three of the remaining seven could transform into products with toxic potential.

According to the most recent estimate by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Marcellus Shale formation of the Appalachian Basin contains more than 140 trillion cu ft of natural gas that is recoverable but as yet almost wholly unexplored.